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MarylandHB 09042026 Regular SessionHouse

Law Enforcement - Protective Body Armor - Requirements and Reporting

Sponsored By: David Moon (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public SafetyCrime Prevention and Policy, Governor's Office ofEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.GrantsLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceNoticesPolice Training and Standards CommissionTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Body armor required for Maryland officers

Beginning October 1, 2026, agencies may not assign officers to non‑administrative duties unless the officer is issued protective body armor. Issued armor must meet current National Institute of Justice ballistic‑resistance standards and V‑50 testing, and it cannot be past the maker’s expiration or replacement date. Agencies must replace armor before that date.

Grant penalties for agencies delaying armor

Beginning October 1, 2026, if an agency has not replaced an officer’s armor within 31 days after the maker’s expiration or replacement date, it must notify the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission. The Commission then notifies the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy. After that, the Office must withhold the agency’s grant funds until the agency proves it bought or issued compliant replacement armor. The Office may not withhold grants that are specifically for buying protective body armor. The Office also may not disburse grant funds if, in the prior fiscal year, the agency failed to notify as required or sent three or more such notices.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • David Moon

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Jon S. Cardin

    Democratic • House

  • Frank M. Conaway

    Democratic • House

  • Susan K. McComas

    Republican • House

  • Gabriel M. Moreno

    Democratic • House

  • LaToya Nkongolo

    Republican • House

  • N. Scott Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Gary Simmons

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 132 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 462

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/8/2026Senate

  6. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/19/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (132-0)

    3/18/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/18/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments {213322/1 Adopted

    3/18/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    3/18/2026House

  11. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/5/2026House

  12. First Reading Judiciary

    2/5/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/5/2026

    PDF

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